Registering for classes can be a bit overwhelming, and definitely a nightmare if you don't know what you want to take beforehand. Here is just a little advice from a senior who has definitely had her ups and downs in classes here at Penn State.
Every time scheduling rolls around for me, it's always the same routine. I wait until the last minute, and then ask around frantically about what I should take to fill Gen Eds, and usually have to go through the hell that is the Watch List. Now that I've reached my last semester, I thought I'd share some classes that have stood out to me here during my four years of college.
1. SOC 119
This class is a hard one to explain -- it has to be experienced firsthand. This race relations course is the largest one in the country, filling all the seats in 101 Thomas, plus some. People who are not even enrolled in the class come to hear the lectures, and the seats are always filled, as well as the steps. The professor, Sam Richards, is hands down, one of the best professors at Penn State. He challenges you to think outside the box, and form opinions on topics in our society. While attendance is mandatory, it really isn't a struggle making it to class. Each class is interesting, and will have you thinking way past the end of the class. There are also tons of guest speakers and Skyped-in speakers to keep it interesting. If you are someone who doesn't make it to class very often, I would advise against this class. If you miss too many lectures, there is no way you are going to do well in the class. There are no PowerPoints, and the quizzes are made up of information that he provides in class. If you are interested in race relations, I would highly recommend SOC 119 with Sam Richards. His mottos “Cs get degrees" and “We're all going to die" also made me feel better if I didn't do so great on an exam or was freaking out about one thing or another.
2. INART classes
I would advise you to take an INART class if you are like me and enjoy online classes more than going to campus. These are all pretty easy if you do the reading beforehand, and some are actually pretty interesting. It also is not very hard to find people who have taken these courses beforehand if you are struggling and need some help on the exams. Most INART classes are definitely an easy A.
3. BBH 146
If you wait until the last minute and have to fill the health requirement in one semester, I would advise taking BBH 146. This class is a three-credit sex class, and if you are a second-semester senior looking to put in minimal work, this is the class for you. Besides being easy, the small group portion is actually funny and can be a good time. If you feel awkward talking about sex and doing different activities that involve talking about sex, don't take this class. Lectures twice a week can be pretty dry, but the once-a-week small group makes up for it. All exams are online, so you can use your textbook and your notes, and there are also a number of different extra credit opportunities if you miss lecture too many times or somehow bomb an exam.
4. ANTH 216
This anthropology class is about sex and evolution. If you are looking for an easy A, don't take this class. There's a good amount of work, and you have to study for the exams, but it was one of the most interesting classes I've taken at Penn State. I took it sophomore year fall semester, and I still remember different lectures and information that we were taught -- which is saying a lot for me, because I barely remember last semester. Also, if you don't understand something, there are small groups once a week, which helped clarify anything you were stuck on. If you are actually looking to learn something, I would definitely recommend this class. Also, Dr. Putz is absolutely gorgeous -- definitely one of the best looking professors at Penn State -- which makes talking about sex even more fun! Maybe he's the whole reason I was so obsessed with this class -- not sure. Definitely my best attendance record yet, though.
5. Fitness Walking
If you are looking for a 1.5 credit health class, I would recommend fitness walking. but only if you do it with a couple friends, and also if you don't do it too early in the morning. All you have to do is power walk around campus, and if you do it with friends, it's not too bad, because you can use the whole time to talk while exercising. If you do it by yourself, that would probably be miserable and boring. Also, fitness walking around campus early, hung over, looking disgusting from the night before and probably running into everyone you don't want to see sounds like my own personal hell, so I would choose a time that isn't too extreme.
